Tympew Plate · Betel Leaf Form

17 cm x 15 cm x 2 cm

India

hand-wash using a soft sponge & mild detergent in warm water. Dry completely before storage.

Among the rich artisanal traditions of India, a unique form of black pottery from the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya emerges from the earth. For generations, artisans in villages like Syndai have practiced a method that relies entirely on hand-shaping, foregoing the potter's wheel for a more intimate, tactile process.

The material itself is a testament to the region’s geology. Its core components—a local clay and powdered serpentine stone—are harvested seasonally. This crucial work must be done during the dry months, as the region’s formidable monsoon makes the clay pits inaccessible. Once formed from the stored materials, the pieces are polished with a special leaf, dieng-soh-liya. It is this technique, passed through generations and performed before firing, that imparts the final, deep black luster.

The resulting objects are more than functional vessels; they are quiet statements of place, tradition, and a rhythm of life dictated by the seasons. Each piece carries the subtle imprint of its maker's hands and a direct connection to the land. In these forms, the line between utility and art dissolves, leaving a soulful object that speaks of a life in harmony with nature.

handwash with soft sponge